County Exec Donovan Speaks to FLHS Seniors

Bergen County Executive Kathleen Donovan gave a brief presentation to the senior class at Fort Lee High School Tuesday about the privilege and importance of voting and the positive impact of civil service on the community.

After an introduction by Fort Lee High School Principal Priscilla Clark, Donovan told the students about how she became involved in politics and the pride she feels when working toward making Bergen County better.

She also discussed how young adults, such as those gathered in the Fort Lee High School auditorium, can participate in local and county government, and how their hard work and effort will lead to success.

“You are the new leaders,” Donovan told the students. “You have to believe in yourself.”

Martha Cohen said the genesis of Donovan’s visit was her own run for borough council last year when “I realized how many young people were not registered and didn't understand why their vote was so important, from the local to the national elections.”   

She said she approached Church, who was supportive of the idea.

“We thought Kathe was a great person to speak to the kids for a number of reasons including the varied offices she has been elected to (County Clerk, Assemblywoman, now County Exec) and appointments including serving as a Port Authority Commissioner,” Cohen said.

Among the many things Church shared with the students was the fact that she has never missed voting in an election to which the seniors responded with applause. 

After the speech, Donovan and others handed out voter registration forms to the students.